Jinraj Bhakti Adarsh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinraj Bhakti Adarsh" in English, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Jinraj Bhakti Adarsh (Ideal Devotion to the Lord of Jinas) Author: Danmal Shankardan Nahta (Compiler/Publisher) Publisher: Danmal Shankardan Nahta Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003826/1

Overall Purpose:

The book "Jinraj Bhakti Adarsh" aims to guide Jain followers on the path of devotion (Bhakti) towards the Jinas (Tirthankaras), emphasizing the importance and methods of worshipping their images (Pratimas). It addresses the contemporary issue of ritualistic practices being performed without genuine devotion, seeking to foster a deeper understanding and love for these practices.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is a compilation of articles, primarily focusing on the philosophy and practice of idol worship in Jainism, alongside practical guidance on devotion.

The Importance of Human Birth and Devotion (Introduction):
- The introduction highlights the extreme rarity and value of human birth, as it's the only opportunity to achieve ultimate liberation (Moksha).
- It asserts that devotion to the divine (Prabhu) is the supreme means to attain spiritual goals. True devotion is defined as becoming one with the qualities of the virtuous, recognizing no difference between oneself and the divine.
"Murti Puja Vichar" (A Treatise on Idol Worship) by Agarchand Nahta:
- The Role of Images: The author argues that images (Pratimas) serve as essential aids for the spiritual advancement of beings entangled in worldly illusions. They help in remembering and contemplating the divine, much like a map helps understand a country.
- Necessity of Idol Worship: It's stated that natural inclination leads people towards images. The need for an image arises because the unmanifested, abstract form of the divine is difficult to grasp for ordinary beings.
- Historical and Scriptural Evidence: The text refutes the idea that Jainism opposes idol worship, citing scriptural references like "Jain Chaitra" and "Arihant Chaitra," which, according to commentaries, refer to the Jina's image or temple. Various Jain scriptures are listed as evidence for the ancient practice of worshipping Jina images.
- Logical Arguments for Idol Worship: The book presents several logical arguments:
  - Visual Aid: Just as written letters are visible forms that convey knowledge, visible images of Jinas can help in spiritual understanding.
  - Influence on the Heart: Similar to how images of beautiful women or virtuous saints can influence one's emotions, images of Jinas inspire feelings of devotion, peace, and renunciation.
  - Jatirman Smaran Gyan: The text recounts how even animals in lower life forms, upon seeing the form of a Jina image, can recall their past lives and attain spiritual progress. This illustrates the inherent power of the image.
  - Respect and Reverence: Just as respecting the image of a king or ancestor brings positive feelings, seeing and worshipping the image of a Jina naturally evokes respect and devotion.
- The Objective of Idol Worship: The core objective is not to ask for material boons but to remember the Jinas' virtues, recognize one's own soul's divine potential, and cultivate love for those virtues. It serves as a strong support for the soul's journey towards becoming divine.
- Benefits of Idol Worship: These include the generation of virtuous thoughts (Bhav Shuddhi), strengthening of faith, shedding light on history through inscriptions, promoting artistic skills, and channeling wealth towards a righteous path.
"Jainraj-Bhakti-Sambandhi Ashatana" (Offenses Related to Devotion to the Lord of Jinas) by Shri Kunvarji Anandji:
- This section critically examines common mistakes and offenses (Ashatanas) committed during Jain devotional practices.
- Emphasis on Purity and Intent: The author stresses the importance of purity in body, mind, and actions during worship.
- Specific Offenses Detailed:
  - Uncleanliness: Using dirty or torn clothes, not bathing properly before worship, using impure water, and mishandling worship materials.
  - Animal Violence: Mishandling of water, flowers, or using rough brushes (Bal-kunchi) on the idols, leading to harm to microscopic life forms.
  - Improper Practices: Performing worship at inappropriate times, using temple materials for personal use, speaking ill or idly in the temple, and making offerings without proper understanding.
  - Misuse of Temple Resources: Using temple ghee for lamps without proper cleansing, disrespecting sacred items, and leaving temple premises messy.
  - Lack of Devotional Feeling: Performing rituals mechanically without sincere devotion or understanding the meaning of the prayers and hymns.
  - Ignoring the Divine: Failing to notice or remove remnants of previous day's worship, not properly cleaning idols, and improper use of incense and lamps.
  - Inappropriate Offerings: Offering withered flowers, using flowers sewn with needles, and offering stale food.
  - Disrespectful Conduct: Speaking loudly, gossiping, or engaging in worldly conversations within the temple, especially near the idol.
  - Mismanagement of Temple Affairs: Lack of cleanliness, improper disposal of waste water, and not maintaining the cleanliness of lamps and other utensils.
- The author emphasizes that intentional or unintentional offenses nullify the benefits of worship and can lead to negative karmic consequences.
"Jinraj-Bhakti" (Devotion to the Lord of Jinas) by Shri Kunvarji Anandji:
- This article serves as a positive counterpoint to the previous one, outlining the correct ways to practice devotion.
- Reasons for Devotion:
  - Gratitude: Acknowledging the Tirthankaras as benefactors who showed the path to liberation.
  - Guidance: They are the true guides, unlike worldly gurus who are themselves still in the cycle of birth and death.
  - Embodiment of Virtues: Worshipping them helps in cultivating their perfect qualities within oneself.
- Methods of Devotion:
  - Temple Visits: Regular visits for darshan (seeing the idol) and puja (worship) at different times of the day (morning, noon, evening).
  - Ritual Purity: Emphasizing cleanliness of body, clothes, and offerings.
  - Proper Conduct: Following the prescribed rules of conduct within the temple, including speaking little, maintaining decorum, and respecting the sacred space.
  - Mental Devotion (Bhav Puja): This is considered more important than ritualistic worship (Dravya Puja), involving contemplation of the Tirthankaras' qualities, their renunciation, and their path to liberation.
  - Specific Practices: Detailed instructions are given for performing the eightfold puja (Ashta Prakari Puja) – water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, offerings, and fruit – with proper contemplation and intentions for each.
  - Proper Postures and Prayers: Instructions on how to perform prostrations (Khama-samana), circumambulations (Pradakshina), and recite prayers with proper pronunciation and understanding of their meaning.
  - Offerings: Using pure, fresh, and appropriate items for offerings, including ghee for lamps, clean rice, and good quality fruits.
  - Respect for Sacred Items: Maintaining the cleanliness and proper storage of all items used in worship.
  - Conscious Devotion: Practicing devotion with full awareness, avoiding distractions and performing rituals with a pure heart.
"Jinenndra Sambandhiy Sadharan Gyan" (General Knowledge Regarding Jinenndras) by Pt. Chandulal:
- This section briefly explains the fundamental similarity between the soul (Atma) and the Tirthankaras in terms of their inherent qualities, while highlighting the difference created by the presence of karmas.
- The Soul's Potential: The soul, though inherently powerful like a lion, becomes weak due to the influence of accumulated karma, like a sheep.
- The Path to Liberation: Tirthankaras, by recognizing their true nature and eradicating karma, attained the state of the divine (Paramatma).
- The Goal of Worship: Worshipping Jinenndras is a means to tap into this potential within our own souls and eventually attain a similar state.

Overall Message:

"Jinraj Bhakti Adarsh" is a comprehensive guide that aims to revive the true spirit of Jain devotion. It encourages followers to perform rituals with sincerity, mindfulness, and a deep understanding of their significance. It cautions against mere mechanical performances and highlights the importance of inner devotion (Bhav Puja) alongside external rituals (Dravya Puja). The book emphasizes reverence for the divine, adherence to Jain principles, and the avoidance of offenses that can diminish the spiritual value of worship. It is intended to be a practical manual for achieving spiritual progress through devotion.